The Alfa Romeo 159 - Coming to India, hopefully!

Expected in: Late 2008-Early 2009
Estimated Price: 28-32 Lakh

There are very few car manufacturers who deserve and command a certain respect, wherein you are compelled to prefix ‘The’ and then introduce the name of the car. One of them, in this elite class is the Alfa Romeo. The 159, slated to be launched in the final quarter of this year, oozes class and class even more. It would be in direct competition to Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-class. In the looks department, from all angles, the Alfa has no parallel. Now that we have established that the 159 is a stunner, a little engineering history lesson on Alfa Romeo shows that they were the first to introduce twin spark plugs and the familiar common rail diesel technology into motoring. They were also the one to pioneer and propagate the ‘V’ kind of engine assembly under the hood at a time when straight set assembly was the norm. Invariably, needless to mention most sports cars are now V6, V8 and so on. Clearly, the Alfa stable is not too into the looks. Hard to imagine what it would be like if they were so!

Although we lust for the delicious 3.2L mad petrol mill, the diesel options (2.4L, 1.9L) along with the 2.2L petrol will really create a flutter as Alfa engines and refinement are very well respected. Same was said about the BMWs and Audis in the same segment. Such is the competition that the engines cannot be classified as better than the other, it’s a decision made by the consumer as to which suits him the best. Same applies with suspension and overall drive quality and feel. But when speaking about the styling, there are no diplomacy or relative opinions. It’s Alfa all the way. Fiat that wholly owns Alfa, has clearly indicated that all 159s would be completely built in Italy and exported here through select or let’s say fortunate Fiat dealers across the country. Whether the tag ‘CBU’ (Completely Built Units) would work against the Alfa is something that has to be closely monitored, as the competitors have their stables firmly established here. As we speak, studies are being carried out on the market trends and feasibility of the 159, by Fiat and early indicators are good and so we could expect them by the end of this year.

Getting back to the styling, as much as I try to limit myself, the characteristic triangular or inverted clover leaf grille, three circular headlights and extended eyebrow like tail lights, just supercedes all. Right now, we are concentrating on tying down our official road test editor who just cannot wait to get his hands on the 159.

Specs (Speculated):

Car Segment: Luxury sedan

Engine/Max Power: Petrol - 2.2L/185PS; 1.9L/160PS
Diesel – 2.4L/200PS; 1.9L/150PS

Transmission: 6-speed, Manual

0-100 Km/h: Diesel - 2.4L – 8.5s
1.9L – 9.5s

Dimensions in mm (LxWxH): 4660 x1828 x1417

Suspension: High double wishbone (Front)
Multi link (Rear)

Carwale’s Words: Alfa Romeo markets the 159 as elegant and compact and I could not agree more. The segment will be shaken up with its arrival will beautify the roads and please the eye. The legendary Alfa has arrived.